Shakib focuses on consistent cricket
He thinks Tigers have every possibility to do something better in next World Cup
Sports Reporter, Dhaka
The performance Bangladesh are showcasing if they could maintain and implement it being fit in World Cup, premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan believes that they have possibility to do something better in the next ICC World Cup.
Shakib also focuses on playing consistent cricket as he said the next World Cup will be held on different structure, under which each team will play nine matches at first phase.
World Cup is basically held on one-day and T20 formats. And one-day is our strongest format than Test and T20. Usually we are placed in a good stead in out pet format. From that aspect, we are hopeful the way we are performing we could also do well in World Cup, said Shakib Al Hasan, who hints that the way his injury is progressing he has a possibility of coming back in cricket as soon as possible being 100 percent fit.
Still we are second best team in Asia. Last time when top eight teams played in Champions Trophy, where India and Pakistan played in the final, we beat champions Pakistan in Asia Cup. I think weve a good possibility, Shakib told media after an exhibition football match at NDE Sports Facility in the capital city on Tuesday.
There are some good teams in World Cup. We have to play better cricket consistently. Its a big tournament where nine matches at first phase before the semi-final, he added.
Huawei, the largest smartphone and telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world, organized the match with the winners of its Play with Shakib campaign, where the mercurial all-rounder was present with his wife Umme Ahmed Shishir as Huaweis brand ambassadors. Huawei Bangladesh Country Director Kelvin Yang was also present.
Shakib himself played the match and slammed a credible hat-trick beside assisting others to score goals while Shishir was commentating at the packed local crowd who were surrounding the sports facilities. The winners of the campaign took selfie with Shakib.
The 31-year-old all-rounder said that they have to go there with all types of preparation as the English condition will not be easier for them to perform.
He also said that they sneaked into Champions Trophy semifinals after playing a good performance in a match but this time they have to play nine matches before the semi-finals.
Itll be difficult challenge for us to go till the semi-final. I think the latter part of it is more than easier because there are only two matches there-the semi-finals and the final. If we compare it, I think, its easier because weve to play 9 matches here and two matches there, the left-hander said.
There is nothing to disagree. That condition is really tough for us. England is such a place where we never did good result though we played at semifinal in Champions Trophy. We qualify in semifinal for playing a match good. Overall, Ill not say that we played better brand of cricket. We have to do well more than that. I think its a good experience for us. If we could utilize it itll be better for us, he also said.
All type of improvements are needed for us to do well in England condition from planning development, our skills and fitness though we all are better in position. Then actually weve to do better further to win a World Cup. I think weve enough times to move ahead by planning. Were moving forward in that way. So, we are in right track. Its important to maintain our rhythm till the particular moment.
The south-paw said that he is not worried about the team as they have quality bowlers and batsmen who all are capable to halt opponent below 300 and chased 300 or 300-plus score.
Lets see Im not worried about our team because weve a balanced team. In ICC events, mostly wickets are flat, which are batting friendly and always 300 or 300-plus scored, he thought. I think, weve capable bowlers who could halt opponents to 300 or below 300. Even weve capable batsmen who could score 300 or 300+. For this I am hopeful and not worried that what weve and in which areas weve lacking. We all are doing well what is really good unless we would not do this result, he continued.
And if we could restore the result, the important thing is that we have to keep our confidence how much we do better in the tournament, he added.
The biggest thing is that all the people of Bangladesh expect well be champions. They dont hope for hope. They never say it in past. This time they told this because they believe it that this time we could win World Cup. We, the players, also believe it. Even I believe Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also believe that we could do something better this time around.
The 50-over showpiece event is scheduled to take place in England and Wales, starting on May 30, 2019.
